NEWS Thursday 30th November 2023, 9:00am
Edinburgh Monarchs Academy
Monarchs are pleased to confirm that the Academy team will line up in the 2024 National Development League.
Following the British Speedway AGM earlier in the month, a huge new focus is being placed upon youth speedway in Britain.
Monarchs Academy will line up against 5 other teams in the league, including Belle Vue, Leicester, Oxford, Redcar, plus a joint team from Scunthorpe and Sheffield.
Academy team manager Scott Wilson, who has already signed up to continue his position in 2024, commented, "I'm delighted that the National Development League has lived to fight another day.
"At Edinburgh we are well known for our commitment to youth development and anyone who read my thoughts in Speedway Star recently will know this is something I am very passionate about. I'm pleased that we remain involved in a league at this level.
"Lowering the points limit will hopefully make it easier for riders to break into the National Development League which I believe is a good thing, British speedway needs to keep that production line switched on."
The points limit has been set at 36 with meetings to continue under the same format and scoring system as the senior leagues. The league will not include a play off system, meaning the team finishing top of the league will be declared champions.
Tactical substitutions will again not be permitted in the league to ensure all riders are able to take their programmed rides as far as possible.
The league will be contested over a one home, one away schedule, offering ten matches in total.
Meanwhile, in a key change to encourage youth development, the entry criteria for riders has been set so that no rider who has achieved a Championship average of 4.00 or above will be eligible to take part.
As part of the continued focus on local youth development, the Club aim to rejuvenate the Monarchs Speedway Academy in time for the new season including the possible introduction of Revvi electric bikes in a bid to encourage more young riders between 3 and 7 years old.
It's set to be another huge season of racing at Armadale Stadium in 2024, with a minimum of 16 matches set to take place at senior and development level. More details on what's in store, plus team announcements, to follow soon!